Britt and Bethann,

I have worked on several projects during which I had to use copyrighted 
materials that I found on the web. In all cases I contacted the 
photographer directly. I found them to be very willing to work with me 
and provide me with what I needed if it wasn't already on their website.

In one case the photographer was so thrilled to be asked that he gave me 
all rights to any photos he had on his site. In return we included him 
as a contributor in the final publication and sent him a printed copy of 
the book.

In another situation, I did end of paying a nominal fee. Again, when I 
told the photographer how I was using his image and what the purpose of 
the illustrations were, he immediately reduced his fee and was excited 
to hear that he was able to assist in teaching children about the 
natural environment and ecosystem in which they live.

So, I recommend strongly to do the contact, explain clearly how you'll 
be using the reference photos, the "cause", and hopefully you'll have as 
good of luck as I've had.

Best,

Marjorie

Leggitt Design
303.394.0566
[log in to unmask]
http://linkedin.com/in/marjorieleggitt/en
http://www.science-art.com/leggitt

On 8/28/15 7:21 AM, Britt Griswold wrote:
> A GNSI member has posed an interesting question in the Business section of the GNSI Forums. I would be curious to know what sort of experience other list members have had with procuring permission to use images as reference:
>
> ______
>
> I'm looking for references online for some pretty specific subjects, and the only images I can find are clearly images owned/under copyrights. A couple were produced by photojournalists, from what I can tell. Like us, they probably (rightly) anticipate being compensated for use of their images. :)
>
> So, my questions are:
>
> Are there norms for purchasing reference images (not from stock agencies)"?
> Has anyone had any experience purchasing rights to a reference image?
> If so, how have you handled approaching the photographer? Is there a standard licensing fee I could propose?
> Anything I'm forgetting to ask?
>
> Thanks in advance!
> Bethann
>
> _____
>
> Britt Griswold
> Manager, http://www.science-art.com
> bgriswold_at_science-art.com
>
>
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